Project code: SUPPORT
Research group: Multi-agent and Adaptive Computation (SEN4)
Project coordinator: Han La Poutré

Members
Hado van Hasselt, Han La Poutré

There is an increasing necessity to synchronize logistic processes. In
SUPPORT proof will be given that the concept of continuous
synchronization in the logistic network can lead to significant
improvements and that solutions to do so are scalable up the (a large
part of) the entire logistic network.

The technological solution is Multi-Agent Systems (MAS). In MAS a
system consists of many pieces of software ('agents') that each are an
actor in the network. Contrary to having a single large system with a
centralized model of the worl (rule sets), agents support the
synchronization between actors in the work by means of communication.

The most important advantages of a multi-agent approach are:
1. there is no centralized 'model' of the world
2. interests, constraints and data are intrinsic to individual agents
3. agents communicate to arrive at solutions
4. the presentation of solutions in terms of agents toward human
   experts (e.g. planners) is intuitive and understandable
5. real-time support and synchronization is achieved in logistic
   networks that are full of dynamics.

Partners
Almende BV www.almende.com
APM Terminals BV www.apmterminals.com
DEAL Services BV www.dealservices.nl
De Rijke Trucking BV www.derijke.com
Hebra Containervervoer BV www.hebracontainervervoer.nl
Peeman Transport BV www.peeman.nl
TU Delft www.TUDelft.nl